School Nurse Notes

Notes from Nurse Patti

September 1, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In the last several weeks we have seen an increase in the number of Flu cases. If your child is having flu symptoms, please keep him/her home and get an evaluation by a doctor. 

If your child does have the flu, please call and let me know.  I am required to keep up with the number of flu cases at the school. Thank you for your assistance with this.

I have attached an information sheet about the flu. You can also look on the school website under “Health/Nurse Patti” and there will be more information.

Thank you,

Nurse Patti

July 25, 2023

Welcome Back to School from Nurse Patti

2023 -2024

I hope each of you had a wonderful summer break. I am looking forward to the new school year 2023-2024. On the Nurse’s Corner on the school website you will find forms and information for you.

Just a few things I need to touch on before school. All vaccine records must be up to date to attend school, this is a Georgia law. There are some changes in the over the counter medication procedures, please be sure to review it. I will also need a Health Information/Over the Counter Medication form for each scholar. If this is not completed and signed, I will not be able to give any of the over the countermedication on list. I will not be able to call and get verbal consent from you.

If your scholar takes medication at school please bring to Open House, and we will be able to complete forms at that time. I look forward to seeing you at Open House. I will be available for any questions.

Thank you,

Nurse Patti

Stewart County School Nurse

Patti McDonald LPN

May 18, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we come to the end of school year, I want to let you know what to expect. Scholars in Grades Pre-K, Kinder, 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th will receive a letter with a copy of their immunizations. This is so that you will know if your child needs immunization before returning to school in the fall. If their immunizations are not up to date they will not be able to attend school until they are.

Please be advised that it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to update their child's immunizations and provide an updated certificate of immunization (FORM 3231) to the school on or before the first day of school. Vaccinate your child early and beat the Back-to-School rush.

If your child has medication at school, parents/guardians will need to pick the meds up by May 22, 2023. If not picked up I will have to dispose the medication. I will send a letter home with your child explaining this.

Each school year each Scholar's  health history  must be updated and as well as the over-the-counter medication authorization. If I don’t have the over-the-counter medication authorization completed and signed, I will not be able to give your child any medication on the list. Please pay attention to the medication list, especially if there are changes to it.

Please check our school website for the Nurse’s Corner. I have information on there you may be interested in and also all the clinic forms that may be needed.

I would like to thank you all for allowing me to partake in your child’s health care. I love what I do and your children bring joy to my life. Please have a safe and fun summer break.

Thank you,
Nurse Patti

Patti McDonald LPN
Stewart County School Nurse
CTA instructor and HOSA advisor
email:   pmcdonald@stewart.k12.ga.us

March 23, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we are getting close to the end of this school year, I just wanted to give some reminders of things that must be done each year.

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS

Below you will find a link to the Health Information/Over the Counter Meds permission form. This must be filled out each year for each child, in order to enable me to dispense over the counter medicines. Without this form, I am not allowed to give any over the counter meds to your Scholar. I will no longer be taking verbal consents over the phone due to liability issues.

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING

During the week of Wednesday the 29nth, Scholars in 6th and 8th graders will be recieving the yearly Scoliosis Screening. Forms to opt out of this screening were sent home on March 6, 2023. You must fill out the form if you do not wish for your Scholar to recieve a scoliosis screening. 

IMMUNIZATIONS
Each year the Health Department checks the immunization records for scholars entering KK, 6th, 7nth, and 11th grade. I will be contacting the parents of Scholars who need immunizations in order for them to return to school next school year. You will have 30 days from the first day of school to get the necessary immunizations, if not, your Scholar will not be able to attend school until the record is current.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

If your Scholar takes prescription medication at school, I will need forms updated and  signed at the start of each school year. I will have all the needed forms at next year's Open House. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me by email or phone. 

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your Scholar's health.

Sincerely,

Patti McDonald LPN

Stewart County School Nurse

pmcdonald@stewart.k12.ga.us

Nurse Patti